"As Coca-Cola confirms plans to release the cane sugar alternative in the U.S., some nutritionists said there is little health benefit as a replacement for high-fructose corn syrup." 

"In late April, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that “sugar is poison.”

Roughly three months later, Kennedy praised Steak ’n Shake for announcing that the fast-food chain would start offering Coca-Cola with real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. The soda company announced Tuesday it would roll out that version of its product in the United States this fall as an additional option for consumers.

“MAHA is winning,” Kennedy posted Saturday on X in reference to Steak ’n Shake, referring to his “Make America Healthy Again” movement aimed at reducing chronic disease and childhood illness.

But studies do not show substantial benefits in using cane sugar as a substitute for high-fructose corn syrup, some nutrition experts said."

Rachel Roubein and Caitlin Gilbert report for the Washington Post July 22, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Coke Sweetener Switch Threatens US Jobs, Corn Refiners Say" (The Hill) [3]